End of an Era

The world is in a state of chaos and uncertainty- challenging everything we have clung to for stability. COVID-19 has brought many communities around the world to their knees. We feel the weight here in Uganda as well. In addition to the weight of a global pandemic, just before Easter this year we were informed by WGM Uganda leadership that this would be our final term with WGM Uganda.

This chapter of our lives in Uganda has been one of the sweetest and one of the hardest. We have seen God draw our children closer to Himself. Our marriage has withstood the challenges of cross-cultural ministry and only gotten stronger. Students at Heritage are walking closer to Jesus, asking great questions, and giving testimony to His work in their lives. Our home fellowship is flourishing even during this quarantine (mostly on WhatsApp right now). Watching our home fellowship leadership team step into more responsibility and take ownership has been beautiful. We strongly believe God isn’t done with this home fellowship and can’t wait to see how He uses these men and women. 

There are many questions.  There are even more unknowns.  But through all of this, we know that God is still good, and God is certainly not done with us yet.  Once we return to the states, we will begin exploring with WGM leadership and seeking the Lord as to what our next assignment might be.  Right now, we are focusing on leaving Uganda well, saying necessary goodbyes, and leaning on His strength to do so during a global pandemic. We currently have flights scheduled for June 2nd; however, our airline has canceled all flights through May 31st.  We have no way of knowing if we will be able to leave on June 2nd or whether that will be pushed to a future date. Would you pray over that? Once we are able to return to New Jersey, we will begin the healing process needed after this sudden change and begin looking at what could be next.  We appreciate your prayers over us, continued financial support, and patience as we wait on God to reveal our next steps. 

We as a family are finding a lot of comfort in the story of Abraham these days.  During our family home church, we have begun walking through Abraham’s journey.  In Genesis 12 we read of God’s call to Abram to “Go…to the land I will show you.”  Abram obeyed God and left behind everything he knew, everything that gave him an identity, and trusted God to lead him.  Our family feels a lot like Abram.  While we may be returning to our “father’s land” in New Jersey as our next step, we don’t know how long that will be or what ministry will look like a year from now. But God knows and we can trust Him.  Thank you for standing with us for 9 years of fruitful ministry here in Uganda.  This is not the ending we would have written, but we are grateful for the privilege of being part of God’s work here in Uganda. We trust God to continue what He started, both here in Uganda and within our family.

Coming Back Around

An interesting development has taken place this term in Uganda.  When new people come, one of the first questions they ask us is, "How long have you been here?"  When we state that we have been here since 2011, we get "the look" and are told how long that is.  Even when we meet Ugandans or others from around East Africa, the same thing happens.  I guess 8 years is indeed a long time!

One fun development that has happened due to being here for 8 years is getting the chance to reconnect with some of those first people we journeyed with.  There have been quite a few who have moved on from Kampala for different reasons and every once in a while they come back for a visit.  If you have followed us at all since 2011 than you have heard me talk about Edwin Eregwa.

Edwin and I - 2013

Edwin and I- 2019

Edwin was without question my first friend here in Uganda and ministry partner.  Edwin is from Kenya and worked at the university ministry we spent some time working with.  Edwin and I were in the trenches together, took a few hits alongside one another, and spent a lot of time before the throne of God pleading for His transformation in the lives of those we were ministering to.  Nothing else draws you closer to someone than that!  Edwin now lives in Kigali, Rwanda with his little family and we miss him terribly.  How exciting it was though when he came through Kampala and made a point to spend a couple days with us.  It is a joy to hear how God has provided for Edwin there in Rwanda and how Edwin is finding many opportunities to use his ministry giftings to serve God.

Mary and Kelly- 2019

Mary came into our lives as we served with the University Discipleship Movement 2011-2015... but I had no idea she was still in Kampala until I happened to drive by and see her walking on the road. She reached out online and asked if we could start meeting weekly. From there we took a deep dive into learning what it looks like to walk with God, how to navigate relationships, and what surrender looks like. She asks the best questions and is really hungry to know God more and experience His best in her life. I've seen her lay down some big things, pray bold prayers, and seek His absolute best for her life. She is shifting to Kenya, and I'll really miss her. He is doing a beautiful work in her life and I know He is not done yet!

Johnson and I - 2017

And then there is my friend Johnson who comes from Nigeria.  If you follow politics in Nigeria, keep a lookout for this guy!  I met Johnson when Edwin and I started ministry at a university nearby.  Johnson was the student guild president and we needed his support to start the ministry.  Thankfully, Johnson loves Jesus and quickly became a huge ally for us.  Eventually, Johnson also joined the men's group I was leading and was a great source of encouragement to us all.  Johnson goes back and forth between Nigeria and Uganda and so I get to see him every few months.  The other day my phone rang and I did not recognize the number.  When I answered I heard the distinct voice of my friend and was very excited to learn he was back in Uganda.  Johnson asked to see me as he was about to return to Nigeria but had an issue he was dealing with and he desired our advice.  And so Kelly and I spent close to 2 hours with Johnson around our dining room table listening, sharing, and praying.  We believe God has great plans for Johnson and these trials he is facing are part of that journey.

I share these stories because we are at a fun point in this missionary journey in Uganda to begin seeing the ripple effect of the ministry we get to be a part of.  Because of your partnership, we are able to partner with the likes of Edwin, Mary, and Johnson and now have a reach into Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria.  Pictured below are also Habu and Demian who are UDM alumni and now involved in our Home Fellowship- it's such a blessing that we get to see them every week even after they graduated university! All praise and honor to God above!  Thank you for standing with us since 2011.  Your partnership is having a great kingdom impact!

"Alumni" who came to visit us this year!

Slow thaw

Little ones love you no matter what. They haven't been as wounded by life as teenagers have. They haven't said as many goodbyes as teens have. And all they really need is for you to see them and play a few games with them. They will love you forever.

As we minister to third culture kids (TCKs) they have lived through some pretty tough stuff, have most likely lost a best friend, and maybe had to say goodbye to a favorite mentor or teacher... trust doesn't exactly come easy. They want to be seen and known as badly as the pre-schoolers... but they also fear it because they have let people in before and then that person may have left the continent. And they are not impressed by the Christian mask. They know the real deal when they see it. Authenticity is huge.

I say all that to say, after three years the students are starting to thaw towards us. And I must believe that time isn't the only factor. Jesus did a radical work in me this spring. I am more real and more myself than I have ever been. I've been transformed. And they can tell. Praise the living God! He is alive and well in me and He is drawing them to Himself.

A couple things that have made my heart smile recently (in no particular order):

• A girl popped into my office to borrow a pencil for exams. She knew she was welcome and not a bother.
• A new student said hi to me for the first time after I proctored his math exam.
• A student going through a very tough season asked if we could meet to talk after lunch- and through her tears she confessed, she didn't have much to say... she just needed a hug.
• That same student asked "So, when can I share in chapel again?"
• We had a line of students waiting to help us inflate our 9' beach ball. 
• A girl was sitting at the back of the chapel one day, and seemed so happy to see me. She said she had a question about a sermon I gave more than a month ago. She had listened, was still processing and is hungry for more of Jesus. 
• Another girl came in to my office and asked me to pray for her exams. 

As I type this list I am reminded that my prayers are making a difference, that being open and real is the only way to build community, and that transformed people really do transform their communities... they can't help it... they are just clear channels for God to flow through! Whether you are loaning a pencil, praying with another person, inflating a beach ball, or just giving a hug. He can use you! Hallelujah! 

Oasis Gathering

God often calls you to minister comfort from the comfort you've received. But sometimes He asks you to give what you wish someone had given you... Oasis Gathering is that thing... that space I wish I had when I was a volunteer with WGM in Uganda way back in 2002. I was young, lonely, and desperate for community. When we moved to Uganda in 2011 I realized there were other women in Uganda just like I was- alone in this big city, confused about where to find baking soda and molasses, trying to find healthy rhythms and desperate to be known. I created this monthly gathering for international women our first term here and it has been meeting monthly since then!

It is a simple model: everyone brings a snack to share, I make coffee and tea (and often a fun syrup for coffee), we have a couple discussion questions ranging from "How do you Sabbath in a capital city?" to "Where can you find white Christmas lights?", then we break into small groups and pray for one another. I wanted it to be easy and sustainable- a joy for me to host instead of a weight on my shoulders. And it is just that.

As I think about what it takes to live a transformed life, I think about the women who come every month to Oasis. Some of them limp in, weary and burned out. Others come longing for company on the journey. And others come ready to bear her sisters' burdens.

In order to live a transformed life you must take time to be filled. You've got to let Him meet you. You cannot work up transformation in your own strength and you can't walk it out alone. You need to link arms with others. You need to lean in to the Father and be filled with the Spirit so you can live like the Son. And that's what happens when we gather for Oasis- women get refreshed and encouraged so they can go back to their sphere of influence and bring the transformation He longs to bring.

A couple coffee syrup recipes:

Peppermint Mocha Syrup
Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Where two or three are gathered...

after my baptism in the Indian Ocean

these are my people.

what started out 15 years ago today (cannot believe it's our 15th anniversary!)... has blossomed into this: husband and wife, two boys, and two girls in Africa with Jesus. love spilling over and bringing life. and I am so grateful.

it's what He does- it's who He is. God is love. and love seeks an object- before the foundations of the world He was living in love Himself- Father, Son and Holy Spirit in a beautiful dance of community and love- He didn't need us- just like I didn't need my children- but our love grew so big that we wanted more people to share it with- likewise He is longing for all to receive what He so generously and lavishly wants to pour out.

WGM believes that transformed people will transform their communities who will transform the world. that from my intimate, abiding relationship with God my heart would overflow to those around me. that as He transforms me more and more into His likeness, putting to death the works of flesh and walking in the Spirit, I will live and love like He does. and that God incarnate, Jesus Himself in me, would be drawing people to Himself.

Mansi and the girls

and so our family mission is to live and love each other, and welcome people into that love often. so we live with open doors and an extra place at the table. my girls ask almost everyday- "so, who's coming to dinner tonight?".

we also love to host house guests! it has been sweet gift to have Mansi live with us the past four months and it will be sad to see her go tomorrow. our kids have loved her, their unofficial "big sister", and it's been good to have another adult in the house to pray and process life with. fresh eyes, after living here for 8+ years, are always welcome.

prayer warriors at Azmera Retreat

this Christmas we will be posting daily to give you a more extensive update than a year end email could contain. He began the transformation in me this year- a deep surrender that allowed Him to fill me with His Spirit of love and power to live a holy life. You can read more about that here. and as He came and filled me to overflowing at an Azmera Haven Retreat, then He spilled over into our marriage, our family, our home fellowship, our community at Heritage and our WGM Uganda team. Stay tuned for more stories! it's been a good year. and 2020 will only get better!

Slowing to See

I breeze by my son's classroom on the way back to my office- and am stopped in my tracks... fiery crimson petals act like a stoplight to my soul... I must pause and take it in. Appreciate the way the raindrops catch the morning light. The contrast of colors.

I've said it before, but living in Uganda is like living in technicolor. Everything is vibrant and intense- the colors, the scents, the cultural differences, the people (so very friendly, welcoming, and enthusiastic), even the weather (though pretty much perfect year round) is an intense contrast of just two seasons: rainy or dry. And I have a choice. I can allow the harsh contrasts to assault my vision- or I can stop and just appreciate it for what it is. No judgement.

This flower is audacious in it's beauty. And that's just what I love about it. I am not a fan of the color red- and I could have just kept walking... because its not my own personal concept of beautiful... but I slowed to see it for what it is. A canvas for the wild, audacious glory of God.

And I was challenged in that moment- how often do I rush by another person without slowing to see the fingerprints of God on their souls?? Do I just see the things that make them different from me? Do I simply dismiss them as "other"? Or do I see "child of God"... my sister or brother?

It just takes one moment of a day for your world to get rocked. One second to pause and really see.

I want to be a woman who truly sees. Someone who's gaze isn't always on my phone, who's agenda isn't the next item on my to do list, who's got enough margin in her day to stop and actually ask how you're doing, and listen for the answer- to really see you.

up to my neck...

dirt. pounding hammers. mess. the hum of a saw. a construction site is a hive of activity. the organized chaos overwhelms my senses.  especially when school starts in less than two weeks. this is the Early Years building that will house our youngest students this year!

this summer has been a slow simmer. we've had a few friends to play with. some activities planned, but no travel. lots of downtime. and the countless days of life on life- humanity scraping against humanity- have worn me down.

I am excited about the new school year- we've already fed some new teachers and we are going to be hosting one for the first month of school. I've got talks to plan, devotions to prepare, Sabbath stations to set up for retreat, dinners to cook, and very little margin left to work with- because I've spent so much time and energy meeting my kids' social needs this summer.

that sneaking feeling of overwhelm begins to rise in my chest. as I look at my to do list and compare it to the hours available in a given day... the columns don't balance. I'm up to my neck. and I take a deep breath.

O N E. This is my year of one. I can only love one person at a time. I can truly do only one thing at a time. Just the next right thing. It takes some pressure off. And then I realize He can show me which next thing- it is deeper relief still.

I haven't really been abiding well lately. I haven't strayed- I've just been depriving myself of all the power I have access to on the daily. "One thing is necessary, Mary has chosen that good part..." I've been walking in my own strength, missing that one thing. and it's catching up with me. so instead of writing a talk on Spiritual Health tonight- I'm gonna do my own diagnosis- take my own medicine and pray He uses me tomorrow.

How are you feeling at the start of a fresh school year?

When we bump up against our limits

Pouring out:
Serving communion at
Elementary School
Spiritual Emphasis Week

On Wednesday I preached at Middle and High School chapels about abiding... about how much power and freedom there is when we abide... about the beauty and the peace that come when we stop striving and rest in what He has already accomplished {which is everything}... and then there was Thursday.

I've come to realize I'm not a short fuse person- I have a very long fuse... however, once you reach the end: look out. I can be patient and obliging for a long time. I have heaps of grace and appreciation for this very different culture I live in. Until I don't. When I just want my babies to see the doctor {at the time they told me to come in} or get their cavity filled or have a date lunch with my husband and everything conspires against me. Or so it feels. I know this is a bit dramatic. But yesterday it felt dramatic.

Our weekly routine has shifted now that I'm working part-time at our kids' school. And I am around more people more often than I was our last term. And I feel the need to be much more intentional with my kids when I am home. These realities may be slowly draining my very friendly, introverted self.

And yet. He is keeping me... when I let Him. There are days when you know much will be demanded of you- when you are pouring and pouring- and you take the time you need for Him to fill you. But then there are days like Thursday when things don't seem like a big deal, and then the little one is up at 4:59am, and you just don't get that time. And all morning you find yourself bumping up against your humanity and your self and your limits. Empty.

It's not pretty. But the discovery of who I am when left to my own devices throws me on His grace. Seeing my self in all its selfish, impatient, angry blaze humbles me. And John 15 comes flooding back like conviction and hope mixed together: "apart from Me you can do nothing" {John 15:5} which then means "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."{Philippians 4:13}.

Studying the Enneagram, we can "learn how to recognize and dis-identify with the parts of our personalities that limit us so we can be reunited with our truest and best selves, that 'pure diamond, blazing with the invisible light of heaven,' as Thomas Merton said.

That's the blaze I want glowing within me. And I can only get there when I abide in Him, and allow Him to shine His light on those broken and fallen places within me.

linking up today at the Grove @Velvet Ashes:

Coming home...

not literally. don't everyone get excited.

as I press in to the idea of writing here again, I'm having to sift the wheat from the chaff. I have to try everything on and see what still fits. and something that Jesus has been whispering to me today is gratitude. keep counting those gifts. and it's Monday {my original gratitude post day}. there is something profound that happens when we say thank you for the gifts He gives on a daily basis. and I've been neglecting that practice. so I'm coming home- home to gratitude on Mondays.

the past two years have been a stripping away, a desert season, survival mode. i've been reduced to rubble. and yet what remains is gold. He is remaking me. and I guess that's part of why I want to share this journey. I am still unfinished. but my head is far enough above water now that it isn't dangerous for me to reach out to others who might feel like they're drowning.

so while I haven't faithfully kept counting the gifts, I have sporadically been counting- so we'll just pick up where I left off:

7861. 5am. You meeting me.
7862. grace enough to welcome an early riser at 5:03am
7863. Sofia the First on iTunes.
7864. my little corner on the kitchen floor. sacred space.
7865. in You there is no sin. If I abide in You, I can say no to sin.
7866. my husband rising to meet You early
7867. bagels and coffee
7868. our 4 incredible kids
7869. Your word. truth for this day.
7870. a clean and quiet desk
7871. being able to find this gratitude journal. after months of disuse and a transatlantic move.
7872. my crossfit ladies pushing me towards health
7873. and also bringing m&ms :)
7874. cloudy morning- cool enough to work out
7875. the ability to move my body
7876. rain holding off till we were done
7877. a morning with Rebekah
7878. Hi Ho Cherry-o, Candy Land, Zingo... classics
7879. her laugh. it's so contagious
7880. snuggles before nap
7881.everyone napping so I can write

What are you grateful for today?

linking up:

Community: The beautiful, the ugly, and the yet to be...

Play Group: August 2014

Wow! We are seven months in.

We are only seven months in.

This is a marathon, not a sprint. It's a four-year term. There have been some sweet moments of community-like this play group (but it sadly falls right in the midst of morning nap), and my Bible study ladies, our mentor sessions with the Metz's and my coffee dates with Abbey. And there have been some disappointments, the not quite clicking, the friends already preparing to leave, etc. This expat community stuff is not for the weak.

Or maybe weak is exactly what I need to be... humility and serving one another in love are two crucial components of community. I not only need to give, but receive. It was so beautifully said in this post:

"Community is not found- it is built, one brick of love at a time."

And the other beautiful thing is that God is still here. He is drawing me closer to His heart, refining me in this hard season, and allowing me to yearn for that glorious Someday. Someday there will be no more tears, no more goodbyes... and until then, we can love fiercely the ones He has placed in front of us. I don't want to quit engaging just because it's hard. He has brought dear friends into my life in the past, and He will do it again.

I don't know about you, but I want to know and be known, and so I'll build, one love brick at a time.

{linking up at the Grove: Community}

And so inspired by these posts:

6 People that Kill Community (oh, I'm guilty of playing a couple of these roles)
Cracks in Community
Love Like a Gangster

Rivendell: The Last Homely House

Rivendell: by Kelly Hallahan

It is often necessary when you are drowning in the details to step back, take a deep breath and get some perspective. Why am I here? What is the purpose of this work? Why are there so many dirty dishes?

I had some friends over last night to watch a movie, and as she was leaving one person asked about this painting. Another women shed tears of grief as she processed the fact that she had suddenly left all her friends, and was starting all over again in Kampala. And still another had come in to town from the village and commented how nice it was just to feel at home here. And I was reminded why I do what I do.  I am a people-gatherer.  I have a heart for hospitality.  I want people to feel connected.

This is a painting of Rivendell from Tolkien's The Hobbit. And it is an illustration of my vision for this home.

"And so at last they came to the Last Homely House, and found its doors flung wide... Now it is a strange thing, but things that are good to have and days that are good to spend are soon told about, and not much to listen to; while things that are uncomfortable, palpitating, and even gruesome, may make a good tale, and take a deal of telling anyway. They stayed long in that good house, fourteen days at least, and they found it hard to leave...

...His house was perfect, whether you liked food, or sleep, or work, or storytelling, or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all.  Evil things did not come into that valley...

...All of them, the ponies as well, grew refreshed and strong in a few days there. Their clothes were mended as well as their bruises, their tempers, and their hopes. Their bags were filled with food and provisions light to carry but strong to bring them over the mountain passes. Their plans were improved with the best advice. So the time came to midsummer eve, and they were to go on again with the early sun on midsummer morning..." -J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit.

University Ladies All-Nighter at our house our first term.

This is what I long for this house to be. I want bodies and souls nourished here. This is why I have dishes stacked in my sink- because I had a dozen women here last night. This is why I am studying Swahili- so that my East African friends can feel welcome here.

{If you are ever in Kampala and need a place to rest, I hope you'll stop by.}

Why do you do what you do? Would love to hear your vision in the comments!

the key to humility

the power is out. again. we can't use the coffee maker. again. the baby was up every hour. all. night. long. my mini-meatloaves failed. the carrots and zucchini burned. these are the thoughts swirling in my head on Tuesday morning.  we're one month in to our second term, and I'm feeling it! the honeymoon is over.

Oh, the pride in thinking i am too good for inconvenience, let alone suffering.  I deserve consistent power. I deserve one solid night of rest. etc. It simply isn't true. and yet i operate as if it is. The truth is "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution..." 2 Timothy 3:12... and this isn't persecution. This isn't even suffering. This is inconvenience. What I really deserve is eternal condemnation, because I am a sinner.  But He is gracious.

I deserve none of the good things I have. He generously gives us all things. The key to humility is recognizing how much He has already given.  The key is gratitude.  I am humbled as I look around me and see all He has done for me. And I slander the name of God when I complain about what He has allowed in my life.  And in Titus this week I've been reminded that older women are not slanderers... they are teachers of good things... -Titus 2:3

Here are the true and good things I need to be reminded of:

• The grace of God has appeared to all men. (Titus 2:11)
• I have a blessed hope. (Titus 2:13)
• One day there will be a glorious appearing. (Titus 2:13)
• He gave Himself for me. (Titus 2:14)
• I am redeemed. (Titus 2:14)
• I am special to Him. (Titus 2:14)
• He has given kindness and love in Christ. (Titus 3:4)
• His mercy has saved me. (Titus 3:5)
• The Holy Spirit has been poured out abundantly on me. (Titus 3:5-6)
• I am an heir in Christ. (Titus 3:7)
• I have been justified. (Titus 3:7)

these are things we ought to affirm constantly...these things are good and profitable to think on... -Titus 3:8

What do you do when pride sneaks up and rears its ugly head?  What are you grateful for today?

I'm linking up at The Grove today at velvetashes.com 

First Day of School TBT

It's throwback thursday!

 

Culture Shock: It's What's for Breakfast {with recipe and links}

When you go to the grocery store in Uganda and all these options unfold before you.... you think you've landed in the Promised Land... until you read the price tag.  $6 for the tiniest box.  And almost $10 for the big box.  Grateful we can get them. But inspired to find other breakfast alternatives for the everyday nosh.

A chapati (indian flatbread common in Kampala), slathered with peanut butter and wrapped around a banana.  Or a rolex (not the watch, and not bought on the street corner, but homemade): a chapati or tortilla wrap with scrambled egg, onion and tomato.  Eggs. Pancakes made from DIY bisquick (keep leftover pancakes in the freezer to reheat for an easy breakfast) {see below}. Homemade granola bars.  Pumpkin scones. Homemade Lara bars. On Christmas morning, my mom's cinnamon rolls are a must. Muffins of all sorts.  Pumpkin baked oatmeal muffins.  Green smoothies. Banana Muffins.  {see below}

Another thing I forgot about while we were in the U.S. was the ants!  My heavens- the ants!  An effective solution: make a simple syrup 1 part water + 1 part sugar, cook in a saucepan until dissolved.  Add borax (yes, you can get it at Shoprite in Kampala).  Soak some cotton balls in the solution and put them where you see ants most frequently (overnight so kids don't mess with them).  As the ants feast on the sugar water laced with borax, they will carry it home to the queen, and hopefully your situation will improve.

Having a baby here this term, we've found some parenting style differences.  And no, when it's 65 F... my baby will not be wearing a parka, and seven blankets.

DIY Bisquick
from the Newcomer's Guide to Cooking in Africa

9 cups flour
1/3 cup baking powder
1T salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups shortening (Crisco in the U.S., Kimbo in Uganda)

Mix dry ingredients.  Work the shortening into the mix until crumbly.

To make pancakes use 3 cups DIY Bisquick, 1 1/2 cups milk and 1 egg.

To make biscuits use 2 cups DIY Bisquick, and 2/3 cup milk.  Drop onto cooking sheet. Bake 10 minutes at 450F

Banana Muffins

1 1/2 cup flour (can mix whole wheat and all purpose)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

3 large bananas, mashed
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup oil

Mix dry ingredients.  Add wet ingredients. Combine until moist. Spoon into muffin tins. Bake at 375F for 15-20 minutes.

What do you eat for breakfast??

Pray for those in Authority

Hindsight

Dear Kelly, you wrote this toward the end of your first term.  Well done.  You always were rather introspective.  So now, you're here- at the beginning of your second term and here's what you need to know. Your first term you played it safe.  

There were reasons for this like having two small boys, and not wanting to burn out right away.  Mission accomplished.  You didn't burn out.  And you're back for round 2- not everyone can say that.  And you're here with a baby (don't hide behind her).  But also don't drag her all over creation in the name of "not playing it safe".  There is a healthy middle ground.  You got a lot of things right your first term

• You welcomed well.  You made LOTS of people feel at home at your place.
• Your kids don't hate you were eager to return to Uganda.
• You still love your husband.
• You didn't neglect the Lord.
• You were available to help people when they asked.
• You kept your champions well informed

But this time, take some risks.  Do something you're not sure you're good at.  Love somebody who is different from you.  Really love them.  Say yes to something that scares you.  Engage with the culture more. Really learn the language, any language.  

So here we are, second term, do the crazy thing.  

"the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." -John 1:14  Other translations say "He pitched His tent among us..." or "He moved into the neighborhood..."  It's more than just coming for a visit or getting a stamp in His passport.  He became a citizen.  He walked the dusty roads with people.  He sat around the coffee shop and listened to people's stories.  He ate their food.  He read their books.  He spoke their language.  He probably would have ridden on boda-bodas and sat in traffic jams.  And if I am really here in Uganda to imitate Jesus, and love like He loved- then so far- I've pretty much failed.

view from a distance.

I confess that I've taken the easy road on most days.  I work out in my living room, not jog on the street.  I invite people up to my house, not visit in their homes.  I drive with the air-conditioning on and the windows rolled up.  I don't make time to open the Word with the one Ugandan who is in my home every day.  I shop at the grocery store, not the market. 

I love my small group of university ladies, and I meet with them at their hostel.  But that is one victory out of many failures.  And I begrudged going down to the hostel a time or two.  

Missionaries aren't perfect.  We may be commended for leaving homes and families... but if we haven't engaged in the community and culture we've come to- I wonder how much that sacrifice blesses Him (to obey is better than sacrifice).  I do believe God {in His grace and mercy} has used me this first term, but there are a million ways I avoided being used.    

I'm grateful His mercies are new every morning.  I'm gonna need them this year of living in Love.  It's definitely going to be a year of stretching; as I allow His life to fill this skin of mine in 2013.  I'm not exactly looking forward to the heart surgery He will have to do, to get my life to look like His- but I am confident of this: He who began a good work in me, will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).  And He is able to take this heart of stone, and put in me a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 11:19)!

How to Cut a Mango

Just yesterday I shared my mango muffin recipe- and it came up on our kids' blog that cutting a mango can be tricky!  So here are some step by step photos of how I cut a mango.


Step 1: Start with a slightly tender, fragrant mango.










Step 2: Cut on one side of the large pit.











Step 3: Cut on the other side of the large pit. So you have two nice halves.










Step 4: Cut to the skin (not through the skin) in a cross-hatch pattern.










Step 5: Pop it inside out! And slice those yummy pieces into a bowl!  Or eat it straight from the skin! Cut the skin off the middle section, and slice as much mango as you can away from the pit (or if you cut both halves for your kids, mama can eat the mango straight off the pit)










Step 6: Feed some to a cute baby.  Make sure she gets good and messy.

Mango Muffins

When in Uganda, and peaches are not readily available- go with mango!  Yummy and perfect for breakfast or tea time!  Enjoy!

Peach Mango Muffins
Original recipe by Anne Marie Huste
Adaptations- Kelly Hallahan
Makes 12-15 muffins
Oven Temp: 400°

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 c. milk
• ¼ c. oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2/3 c. sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup peeled and diced mango.

Blend all liquid ingredients together. Add dry ingredients and stir until just moistened. Gently fold in peaches. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Don't overfill! Bake 20-25 minutes. Makes 15 average sized muffins.

Stay tuned for a weekly recipe post here at Hand in Hand!

What type of recipes are you interested in?  Local food? Snacks and desserts?  Dinners? American favorites from scratch? Leave a comment and let me know!

here. settling in.

it's 3pm on a Friday afternoon... and all is peace and calm... it's actually a little creepy.

Elizabeth has had two good naps today.  The boys have occupied themselves.  We had a friend over- so sweet to meet in real life instead of on facebook.  I baked cinnamon toast cake and baked oatmeal (so we actually have some type of breakfast here tomorrow).  I made dinner in my own kitchen last night.  we slept.

I think we're finally settling in.  and it feels good.

Sadly, there were some things I failed to pack, that seriously were at the house and just didn't make it in the suitcase.  Like peppermint extract.  You know how Christmas looks desperate around here if I don't have my peppermint!  And my oven thermometer.  fail.

But other things did make it that already have it feeling like home: stainless steel french press (gotta have coffee even if you don't have power!), my command center calendar (seen here), my Willow Tree figures, my happy yellow flowers... and much more.

If you are planning to move overseas, let me encourage you to find any Facebook groups for expats in your area- we have already bought a bookcase, a pack n play, an entry table, and a chair from people in Kampala just through these type of groups!

Here.

at the airport checking in

We are exhausted. And relieved. God has faithfully carried us to our home in Uganda.  All the work of the past year has paid off.  And we are here.

I can't wait to see how my One Word {here} will unfold and inspire me on this side of the ocean.

The kids all did great on the flights.  There was never a moment when we couldn't distract Elizabeth from launching into a full-blown meltdown.  She slept snug in the sling, so I even caught some rest without worrying that I would drop her.  The boys watched a million movies.  During our six-hour layover in London we busted out the Legos and the boys played happily, found the play place in Terminal 5 (near Gate A6 if you need to know~ also, bring socks for your kiddos in your carry-on so you don't have to "borrow" socks. gross. lesson learned), and Caleb finally slept.  Flight 2 was fine as well.  And all our luggage arrived in Entebbe!  We are so grateful.

Some things I'm thankful for right here:

here.

driving on the left side of the road.
scent of smoke lingering on the air
walking into my own home
a cool breeze rustling the curtain
hearing the birds outside my window
East African coffee, brewed in our french press
because the power was out.
warm welcome. big smiles shining from dark faces
baby taken up into the arms of our night guard.
she didn't cry.
the sunset over this city.
6 hours of uninterrupted sleep. miracle.
bouncy play gym. given by sweet friends.
boys happily reunited with toys